A PREGNANT woman from Ulverston has spoken of her devastation after her two kittens died in what she thinks was a deliberate poisoning.

Within the space of a week Hannah Newcombe, of Chestnut Grove, lost her two precious pets; nine-month-old brother and sister Tim and Willow.

On the night of Thursday November 2 Miss Newcombe noticed Tim acting in a strange way.

She said: "He had been sick and become very withdrawn hiding under the decking out back. Throughout the night his behaviour started to change.

"He started getting spasms and acting like he was scared of something. Hissing at nothing. His back legs then gave way. We took him to the vets the next morning and after having tests on his kidneys we found out he had been badly poisoned and they were failing.

"The outlook was bleak so we decided to put him down."

Commenting on horrendous situation Miss Newcombe's vet suggested the death was a malicious act based on the high amount of toxins in the cat's kidneys.

She continued: "The amount of poison found in the kidneys was very high and it was unlike a cat to eat so much of something that would make them ill."

Tragically the same circumstances repeated themselves exactly one week later. On Friday November 10 the 16-year-old daughter of Miss Newcombe's fiance came home from school to find the family's second cat, Willow, extremely ill.

Miss Newcombe said: "Willow suddenly became ill a lot faster than Tim. She started projectile vomiting and having seizures. Myself and my fiance were at work and his daughter just came home from school and found her. Within 20 minutes of my fiance getting home Willow had passed away."

The RSPCA was called and is understood to be investigating the incident. A social media post by Miss Newcombe warning other pet owners in the area has, to date, been shared more than 150 times.

She said: "We got a very positive response which was comforting after such a tragic week.

"Because there was no post-mortem and never seeing what the cats ate the vet didn't know. That is what has made it hard for us. Not knowing exactly how or if so, who."

A spokesman from the RSPCA said: "This sounds like a really upsetting incident and our thoughts are with the owner of the cats. Anyone with any information about what happened to them can call the RSPCA in confidence on 03001234 999.

"Poisoning cases are terrible but sadly not uncommon. We cannot rule out the possibility that these incidents could be a deliberate act of cruelty and would ask anyone who has information to this effect to contact us immediately. Similarly, it is possible that people are simply unaware of potential hazards, so we urge people to take care when storing poisonous substances like antifreeze and making sure it is secure and out of the way of animals.

"Pet owners should also be on their guard and be aware of the symptoms of poisoning so they can seek veterinary advice at the early possible opportunity.

"Poisoning any animal deliberately is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000."

Signs of poisoning can include:

Vomiting

Seeming depressed or sleepy

Appearing drunk and uncoordinated

Seizures

Difficulty breathing

Increased thirst

Increased urination